U.S. Representative John Lewis, a Democratic politician from Georgia, died Friday evening. The congressman, who announced this past December he was battling pancreatic cancer, was 80 years old.

Lewis had a national reputation as a civil rights activist, largely based from his involvement in the march in Selma, Alabama, and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the 1960s. Between his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts as the representative of Georgia’s 5th district for more than 40 years, he’s known as a figure who championed equal rights.

Many local elected officials, organizations, advocacy groups, UNC figures and more shared their thoughts about Rep. Lewis’ passing on Saturday.

Photo via AP Photo/Susan Walsh.

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